Normally, games built around a single mechanic aren't very good. Generally the designers run out of fresh ways to abuse the concept about an hour into the game, and as a gamer we're left with 10 more hours of rehash, possibly with a timer thrown in for artificial difficult.

Bookworm Adventures, on the other hand, is amazing. It helps, certainly, that the central mechanic (boggle) is so much fun, but Popcap managed to stretch it in ways that would make 10 tons of silly putty jealous. By occasionally adding simple embellishments, the designers open up tremendous new gameplay opportunities. The main quest can take about 20 hours, but the gameplay always seems fresh.

It helps too that doing well in this game makes you feel smart. This is a challenging game, especially later on, and it forces you to dig deeper and deeper into your vocabulary well. Despite the challenge, however, the game rather cleverly helps you when you're struggling. For every enemy you defeat, you gain experience and levels, which grant stat boosts. You keep these levels even when you die. If you're in a particularly tough spot, if you persevere, you'll eventually get through thanks to better levels and your own improvement.

Finally, this is a charming, funny game. The premise is completely ridiculous, but Popcap decided to play it straight and it works really well. Now, due to industry regulations, I am required to end this review of Bookworm Adventures with the following phrase: Sometimes the pen really is mightier than the sword.

Most think PopCap and go, "Oh, stupid little casual games." Well, some are, but some aren't.

Bookworm Adventure Deluxe is the result of mixing a word game and a turn-based RPG. Don't confuse this with the original Bookworm, which was a word-based puzzle game only.

You attack in turns and the more complex the word you spelled, the greater damage it potentially does to the enemy. Gem-based word tiles (a green gem word tile means it heals you, whereas a red game word tile sets the enemy on fire) can alter your attacks as well. Potions are simple: one type heals you, one cures you (takes away all negative effects) and the other enhances your attack.

You can gain items which enhance your offensive, defensive or gem/potion collecting abilities. Different enemies are weak or resistant to various attacks and effects and others can poison you, freeze you, set you on fire and do a whole lot more.

The story is broken into three chapters based on different mythologies (Greek, Arabian, and Eastern European) which add flavor to what could be otherwise be a game full of boring enemies. Some of the enemies are really strange, too, but that's part of the game's humor.

All in all, I'd recommend getting this (preferably on a Steam sale) if you like puzzle games or RPGs at all. The second game isn't as good, so just get this one.

Another adorable PopCap game. I was a fan of the original Bookworm ages ago (and I've got plans to get it again soon - it's a classic) so I decided to try this one. So cute! Killing bad guys by spelling is my kind of super power.

I like this game but it took me a while to to warm up to it. Its a bit too silly for me. Its a good game for challenging your brain, or at least keeping it active. Its a bit dated but still worth playing, better if you can get it on sale though. Full price is pushing it for such an old game. PopCap overprices thier old games.

This game makes me happy. Spell words to defeat villains ranging from mythological figures to flying pigs to evil genies from Aladdin's lamp. Gem tiles add punch to your attacks and you can earn treasures to help Lex the bookworm defend himself. Graphics are super-cute. Best of all is the droll humor: the whimsical descriptions of the bad guys and the speech bubble repartee are hilarious.

Bookworm Adventures is a spelling-based RPG where you're given a tileset of 16 letters and you must spell words in order to deal damage. You are also given an EXP bar, potions (health, strength, and purify), the ability to use three passive items (an item unlocks/upgrades after beating a chapter), and gem tiles (letters that deal more damage and have an effect on the enemy). There are also status inflictions (poison, burn, petrify...even stuff is done to your tiles!) that both you and the enemy can receive. The game's humor in dialogue and enemy descriptions is great as well.The game's mechanics are fairly simple, but the game does get more difficult as you go on. and Enemies get a lot more complex when it comes to moves and passive buffs.If you're remotely interested in the concept of a spelling RPG, I highly recommend it (and its sequel). It's one of PopCap's most underrated titles and definitely one of my favorites!

Are you good at spelling words!? If you are then this is a great game to get your mind going. It is challenging to find words to put together and build up points. It is a great game to test your vocabulary and build confidence in spelling. I really enjoy this game and all that it has to offer. The adventure part makes for some interesting foes to encounter and makes the game interesting all the way to the end! I loved playing this game to relax and test my knowledge of words! Get it if your a nerd like me!

A pseudo-action RPG Word Yahtzee puzzle game, if you will. Don't let the childish facade and corny jokes deter you from this game. Bookworm Adventures is loads of fun you have a knack for vocabulary, and it has an enormous dictionary for just about any word that you can muster. As you progress, you can unlock some nifty equippable items, which grant you defense, extra health, and attack bonuses for using uncommon letters. There's even an item that dishes out more damage if you spell out an element—anything from iron to helium to unununium.

I love Bookworm!!! Though this game is not quite like the traditional Bookworm I know, where the tiles have to be next to each other, its still a delight. Also, with the game being on sale for two-fiddy, it is definatly worth it =)

I actually played this game before as a Demo, and liked it alot. Now im very happy to have found it on Steam :DIts Always good for a short break or if you can't be bothered to play a 'big' game.Given you like to spell words, and would like to beat enemies with your intelligence for a change, this is the game for you.The presentation is a bit childish, but i dont mind as much because it doesn't hurt the game.

EDIT: after further progression i have to say that the added 'tactical' options u get, with changing the items in your inventory that give you different advantages for each 'mission' are very nice as well and make the game overall more fun to play.